Radon in Water from Private Wells
Although most homes in Northern Virginia are on public water is not uncommon to come across homes with well water. Well water can contribute to the Radon levels in your home.
What is radon?
Radon is a colorless, tasteless, odorless, radioactive gas. It occurs naturally and is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can then enter into our water supply. For more information about radon illness and treatment, please visit CDC-ATSDR’s radon page.
Where and how does radon get into drinking water?
While most radon-related deaths are due to radon gas accumulated in houses from seepage through cracks in the foundation, Numerous deaths per year are attributed to radon from household water. High levels of dissolved radon are found in the groundwater in some areas flowing through granite or granitic sand and gravel formations. If you live in an area with high radon in groundwater it can get into your private well. The heating of water including showering, washing dishes, and laundry can disturb the water and release radon gas into the air you breathe.
How can I find out whether there is radon in my drinking water?
Test, testing is the only way to determine the radon levels in your water. Testing is simple, Radon Defense can take a water sample and preform the testing needed to identify the Radon levels.
How do I remove radon from my drinking water?
Radon can be removed from water by using one of two methods:
Radon Defense’s preferred method:
Aeration (diffused bubble aeration) – this is a very simple method that involves the installation of an aerator. Basically, the aerator introduces air to the water in a self contained tank. As the air bubbles through the water it captures and removes the Radon, these air bubbles are then vented to the exterior of the home and into the atmosphere before the water is used in the home.
Note It is required that there be some type of water filtration system installed inline prior to the aerator, this prevents premature aging and damage to the equipment from the natural minerals found in well water.
This option is not recommended or offered from Radon Defense:
GAC treatment – filtering water through granular activated carbon. Radon attaches to the carbon and leaves the water free of radon. Disposing of the carbon may require special handling if it is used at a high radon level or if it has been used for a long time. (This type of mitigation is not offered by Radon Defense as we feel that the Aeration method is safer and more efficient).
In either treatment, it is important to treat the water where it enters your home (point-of-entry device) so that all the water will be treated. Point-of-use devices such as those installed on a tap or under the sink will only treat a small portion of your water and are not effective in reducing radon in your water. It is important to maintain home water treatment units properly because failure to do so can lead to other water contamination problems. Remember to have your well water tested regularly, at least once a year, after installing a treatment system to make sure the problem is controlled.
As with all products that we offer and install we provide service and warranty work. Please call today for more information. 703 688-3797